Men's Basketball

Michigan State guard Miles Bridges (22) defends against a shot from Miami guard Davon Reed (5) during the second half on Friday, March 17, 2017 at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Tulsa, Okla.  After advancing to Sunday’s second round, the Jayhawks (29-4) were able to sit back and watch the final game of the day at BOK Center while waiting to see who they would play.

For the second year in a row, the Jayhawks’ second-round foe will be a team that has reached a Final Four more recently than Kansas, as No. 9 seed Michigan State knocked off No. 8 Miami, 78-58, in Friday's final game at BOK Center. Last season, KU knocked off UConn in the second round in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Jayhawks will face Michigan State at 4:15 p.m. Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16.

The Spartans, whom Jackson grew up rooting for as a child in Detroit, overcame a slow start and early 17-5 hole to roar to victory. MSU (20-14) led by 11 at halftime and used efficient offense and tough defense to run away from the Hurricanes.

For Jackson, the opportunity to play Michigan State goes well beyond facing a childhood favorite. Jackson has a few friends on this MSU roster and he’s looking forward to facing them.

“Being able to play against those guys would be fun,” said Jackson, who listed MSU’s Miles Bridges, Nick Ward and Cassius Winston among his friends-turned-foes. “I don’t really think I have much at stake against Michigan State. Every game I come out and play I’m gonna give it my all and try to play my best.”

Kansas is 1-1 all-time against Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament, with both prior meetings coming in the Sweet 16 (96-86, overtime win in Kansas City, Mo., in 1986 and a 67-62 loss in 2009 in Indianapolis) and 5-7 all-time against the Spartans overall. Self and Michigan State coach Tom Izzo have faced off a dozen times, with Izzo owning a 7-5 edge, including a 4-2 mark against Self at Kansas.

Comments

False. Izzo's only national title at MSU was in 2000; I think KU has them by eight years. Spartans weren't going to lose in the 1st round again....the 20 point margin should get the Jayhawks' attention.

Wow, I usually give writers the benefit of the doubt but to say that Mich St has won a national title more recently than Kansas is just bad, but I look forward to the game, KU will definitely have to bring it to win

The writer didn't say that. He said that Michigan State has played in a Final Four more recently than KU has. Which is correct. Michigan State played in the Final Four in 2015...KU hasn't been in the Final Four since 2012.

I was really hoping Miami (FL) ould win last night. I do not like facing Tom Izzo teams...you know that team is going to be mentally tough and extremely focused.

Well, the ESPN talking heads, last Sunday, I suppose had to pick some 1 seed to flame out early, and they were picking it to be Kansas, at the hands of Miami. Guess that did not go so well for those chumps. I hope we smash Michigan State like a guitar. Rock Chalk!

I know facing a big name program in the second round is scary for some, but I think it can be an advantage for our guys. Really good mid-majors (i.e. Northern Iowa) make me more nervous. I think our guys will take Michigan State seriously, and come out ready to play. I hope I'm right!

Great point, Suzi. A victory over MSU and the "hat trick" is somewhat reminiscent of 1988 when we beat K-State, Duke, and Oklahoma in succession to win the National Championship. They were the three teams that beat us in Allen Field House that year, which prompted the T-shirt slogan "Paybacks are Hell!"